USC president Carol Folt to retire after tenure marred by pro-Hamas demonstrations

The president of the University of Southern California will step down in July, ending a tenure marred by criticism over the school’s toleration of antisemitic pro-Hamas demonstrations on campus.  

Carol Folt, 73, took over the reins of leadership in 2019 and is expected to return to being a tenured professor on the campus, the Los Angeles Times reported.

“After more than twenty years of leadership at three great universities,” Folt wrote in a letter announcing her departure.

“I am excited to embrace the freedom that comes with a next big leap, and to pass the baton to the next president who will be able to build upon our accomplishments and create a new chapter for this extraordinary institution.”

Folt’s time at the top had been increasing in doubt after the school’s board of trustees offered her an extension of her five-year contract — but would not disclose the terms or length of the new agreement.

Since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, massacre in Israel — which left 1,200 civilians dead — the USC campus has been a hotbed of pro-Hamas organization and agitation.

A student occupation was dispersed by police in April leading to 93 arrests, and the university’s main stage graduation ceremony had to be canceled as the campus became overrun with Hamas sympathizers.

The Muslim valedictorian’s speech also had to be pulled over over security concerns about what she might say after she was accused of boosting “anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist rhetoric.”

Suzanne Nora Johnson, chair of USC’s board of trustees, offered her gratitude for Folt’s time in office.

“Her dedication to solving the difficult issues before her — whether past or present — have never impeded her focus on what lies ahead,” she said in a statement.